Nigeria’s Francis Epe produced a composed second round of 3-under par 69 to surge to the top of the leaderboard at the Sunshine Development Tour West Africa Q-School, taking a narrow lead into the final round at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.
Epe’s two-round total of 2-under par 142 puts him just one shot clear of the chasing pack after a well-managed round.
Starting steadily, Epe picked up a birdie on the 5th hole before producing a crucial eagle on the par-5 8th, turning in 33. Despite setbacks on the back nine with dropped shots on the 12th and 14th, he showed resilience to close strongly with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.
Reflecting on his round, Epe said: “I stayed patient out there today. After the bogeys on the back nine, I just told myself to stay focused and take my chances when they came. Finishing with two birdies gives me confidence going into the final round.”
Overnight leader Godwin Okoko slipped into second place after carding a 3-over par 75, bringing his total to 1-under par 143.
Okoko’s round included birdies on the 6th, 8th, and 17th holes, but a series of dropped shots on the 4th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 18th proved costly, allowing Epe to move ahead heading into the final day.
Speaking after his round, Okoko said: “It wasn’t my best day, but that’s golf. I had a few mistakes that cost me, especially on the back nine. The good thing is I’m still in contention, and I’ll come back stronger in the final round.”
The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with a three-way tie for third place at 1-over par 145, including Ghana's Barry Dzadey, and Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, and Kamalu Bako all of whom remain within striking distance heading into the decisive final round.
Dzadey, who remains firmly in contention, noted: “The field is very competitive, and every shot counts. I’ve put myself in a good position, so it’s about staying calm and giving it my best in the final round.”
Just behind them, Ghana’s Vincent Torgah sits in sixth place at 2-over par 146 after rounds of 74 and 72, while Ghana’s Eric Kwame Ligbidi occupies seventh at 3-over par 147.
With just one round remaining, the competition remains wide open, with multiple players still in contention for top honours and qualification opportunities on the Sunshine Development Tour.
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